Where the woods meet the sea

Cycling in Lunigiana and the Apuan Alps

Lunigiana is a corner of Tuscany with a long and little-known history. The area separates Emilia Romagna from the Apuan Alps, and boasts lush, wild vegetation, forests, valleys, hilltop villages, castles and towers.

The area is free of heavy traffic, and so is perfect for cyclists, who can train on the challenging hills and admire the beautiful countryside.

From the town of Pontremoli you can discover the hidden treasures of this area. At Villafranca, in an old mill, there is an Ethnographic Museum, where you can step back in time to experience the valle del Magra as it was in the past. Those discovering this area by bike will find a perfect place to soak up the beauty of nature, the mild sea climate and the pretty towns along the coast, such as Massa.

Visit www.turismomassacarrara.it to find out more about this area. The site provides the main cycling routes in and around the area. The official website of the Apuan Alps Park, www.parcapuane.it, also has detailed maps and photo galleries.